Witnesses sought over vehicle break-in and assault

WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses following an alleged vehicle break in and assault.

The incident took place in Gooch Street, at approximately 8.30pm on December 27. A man was seen breaking into a Lexus vehicle parked on the street.

The man is described as white, of a stocky build, wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and matching top with a black puffa style jacket over the top. He was then chased down the road towards the junction with County Road and Station Road close to the Swindon Car and Van Centre. It is alleged he was then assaulted by another man.

Wiltshire Police are appealing to anyone who was in this area of Swindon at this time and may have witnessed the incident. In particular, officers would like to speak to a woman in a grey taxi which pulled up during the assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

Comments (5)

I sincerely hope that nobody given any information whatsoever about the so-called 'assault' of the criminal who was caught breaking into the car.

It's nonsense like this that does the police no favours whatsoever.

How can anyone be accused of 'assualting' a person they've prevented from breaking into a car. Utterly shameful that the police are describing this heroic, civic minded action as 'assault'.

Would the police care to confirm that the criminal who engaged in attempted vehicle theft has been arrested and charged?

I sincerely hope that nobody given any information whatsoever about the so-called 'assault' of the criminal who was caught breaking into the car.
It's nonsense like this that does the police no favours whatsoever.
How can anyone be accused of 'assualting' a person they've prevented from breaking into a car. Utterly shameful that the police are describing this heroic, civic minded action as 'assault'.
Would the police care to confirm that the criminal who engaged in attempted vehicle theft has been arrested and charged?ChannelX

The police are obliged to investigate any allegation of criminality. The decision to charge the offender upon the conclusion of the investigation lies with the CPS if there is a defense put forward or a denial. If the offender has made a full and frank admission and the evidence is overwhelming then the decision can be made by the police.

Due to the nature of this report it is impossible to make the assumptions that you have. It makes no mention that the alleged offender was assaulted by a 'heroic' member of the public. It is just as likely that the offender was a drug user, was breaking into a vehicle to fund their drug habit, was unable to come up with the goods and was then assaulted by a his drug dealer for being unable to pay off his debt. In this case it is right that the police investigate, identify the perpetrator and then put the case to the CPS with a view of taking a person off the street who delivers a great deal of harm to the community.

Until we know the facts lets not make assumptions.........
...

ChannelX.
The police are obliged to investigate any allegation of criminality. The decision to charge the offender upon the conclusion of the investigation lies with the CPS if there is a defense put forward or a denial. If the offender has made a full and frank admission and the evidence is overwhelming then the decision can be made by the police.
Due to the nature of this report it is impossible to make the assumptions that you have. It makes no mention that the alleged offender was assaulted by a 'heroic' member of the public. It is just as likely that the offender was a drug user, was breaking into a vehicle to fund their drug habit, was unable to come up with the goods and was then assaulted by a his drug dealer for being unable to pay off his debt. In this case it is right that the police investigate, identify the perpetrator and then put the case to the CPS with a view of taking a person off the street who delivers a great deal of harm to the community.
Until we know the facts lets not make assumptions.........
...goodgolly

A person caught breaking into / trying to steal a car was caught in the act, chased and then taught the error of his ways, most likely because the person doing the chasing shouted out to the other man to stop the criminal offender - and rightly so.

Would be rather unfortunate, even for a criminal, for him to have happened to run straight into a drug dealer he owned money to.

As for making assumptions, yours are more like an episode of Sherlock than anything close to reality.

A person caught breaking into / trying to steal a car was caught in the act, chased and then taught the error of his ways, most likely because the person doing the chasing shouted out to the other man to stop the criminal offender - and rightly so.
Would be rather unfortunate, even for a criminal, for him to have happened to run straight into a drug dealer he owned money to.
As for making assumptions, yours are more like an episode of Sherlock than anything close to reality.ChannelX

What if there was no definite evidence of the 'alleged' break-in. Then it's one man's word against another, which is why police have to investigate and cannot just write-off an assault on the basis of 'he probably deserved a good kicking' .

What if there was no definite evidence of the 'alleged' break-in. Then it's one man's word against another, which is why police have to investigate and cannot just write-off an assault on the basis of 'he probably deserved a good kicking' .HeavyRain

It's a little concerning to read this and how it's been contextualized. Why is the fact that someone has broken in to a car overlooked completely, whereas the alleged assault is the focus? Surely justice should be served equally to both parties as it involves 2 separate incidents. It also seems a little unfair how although no names have been given rightly, it mentions 'Gooch St' and 'Lexus', possibly exposing the owner to further incidents as it highlights their location and car brand.

It's a little concerning to read this and how it's been contextualized. Why is the fact that someone has broken in to a car overlooked completely, whereas the alleged assault is the focus? Surely justice should be served equally to both parties as it involves 2 separate incidents. It also seems a little unfair how although no names have been given rightly, it mentions 'Gooch St' and 'Lexus', possibly exposing the owner to further incidents as it highlights their location and car brand.tiger5